There are lots of things to consider when choosing a power wheelchair. For instance, you will want to think about how often you will be using the wheelchair. According to Karman, more than 3 million Americans use a wheelchair full-time. Also, you will want to think about the kind of environment you will be using the chair in. Read on to find out things to consider when comparing power wheel chairs.
Weight Capacity
Will you need a heavy-duty power wheelchair? This is determined by how much you weigh. Individuals over 300 lb. will not only need a heavy-duty power wheelchair but one that features a reinforced frame and a wider sitting area as well. You will also need wheels that are wider to support the chair and the user.
Most heavy-duty power wheel chairs can support weights of up to 450 lb. However, you can also find some more specialized ones that can go up to 600 lb. If you need something to support a weight of 1,000 lb., you will likely have to get one manufactured to suit your needs.
Think About the Drive System
There are three drive systems to choose from depending on what you prefer. You can either pick a front-wheel drive, mid or rear-wheel drive power wheelchair. Front-wheel drive chairs can maneuver well over small obstacles. However, they are mostly suitable for indoor use.
Mid-wheel drive chairs to boast the tightest turning radius of all the power wheel chairs. You will need one of these if you stay in an apartment or if you frequent malls and anywhere where space is limited. Rear-wheel drive chairs are perfect for handling rough terrains. If you are an outdoors person, then it's advisable to get one of these.
Environment
When choosing a power wheelchair, the environment you will use it in matters a lot. It's crucial to ensure that your power wheelchair can fit and maneuver indoors. You might want to measure the doorway to see if it's large enough to accommodate the chair you pick. Also, consider the spacing in bathrooms.
Apart from the indoors, you must also think about your type of terrain as this will affect the range of the chair. If you stay in an area with rough terrain, it's advisable to go for a power wheelchair with wider wheels and casters.
These are some things to think about when shopping for power wheel chairs. If you need help selecting the best chair for your needs, get in touch with us today.
